Leather Straps and Tabs for Antique Trunks

BRETTUNS VILLAGE TRUNK SHOP

TRUNK STRAPS AND STRAP TABS

Download our instruction page
if you need some help figuring out
how to attach these to your trunk
(pdf file)

LEATHER TRUNK STRAPS Many of the old flat-top trunk styles had leather straps that ran across the top of the trunk, buckling down along the front. We've tried to find acceptable replacements in the past, but the straps we bought from other places were too thick, wrong color, edges looked too bright, didn't bend right, had horrible, shiny new buckles on them, and just plain didn't look right. So now we make our own. We're quite proud of these straps, made from dark brown harness leather with antiqued brass buckles, available in three styles as shown below:

These are one-inch wide, which was the most popular size in the old days, and are outfitted with a brass buckle that has an antique finish. The buckle is stitched onto the belt, just like the originals. The edges of the belt are stained dark brown, so these will blend right in with your old trunk. Available in two sizes, Standard and Long, which will fit most trunks. Measure first - these may be too long for your trunk (we designed them that way) but you can trim each strap shorter to fit your trunk; just cut them with scissors. Can't cut them longer, so be sure you order the size you need.

In each strap set you get two complete straps, comprised of a total of four parts. The shorter piece (buckle end), which is 20 inches long, attaches to the front of the trunk, with the buckle resting below the lid's edge. The longer part, which has the holes punched in it, attaches to the back of the lid, runs across the top, and then hangs down the front to buckle in place. Either of the two pieces may be trimmed to the proper length, just cut them with a razor knife or sharp scissors. These straps are about an eighth of an inch thick, so they'll drape to fit over slats after some time. They can be attached with our brass nails.

Our standard trunk strap set consists of four pieces: 2 buckle-end straps, 20" long each, and 2 straps, 40" long, with holes punched for the buckle post. This set will work for one trunk that measures anywhere less than about 22" high, 22" deep.

Our longer strap sets also consists of four pieces, and you also get the two 20" buckle ends. You also get 2 straps with holes punched in them, just like the standard strap set (above), but these strap pieces are 54" long each. This set will work for one trunk that measures larger than 22" high, 22" deep.

We also sell strap tabs to hold these straps in place, made from matching leather. Just scroll down the page a bit.

Our strap sets are priced by the set, with shipping included in the price.

Standard strap sets (2 buckle ends, 2 strap ends) are $30 per set (enough for one complete trunk), delivered in the USA.
Standard Trunk Straps (40 inch straps, 20 inch buckle ends) item code strap40

Longer strap sets (2 buckle ends, 2 strap ends) are $36 per set (enough for one complete trunk), delivered in the USA.
Longer Trunk Straps (54 inch straps, 20 inch buckle ends) item code strap54

Don't want to use your credit card online?
No problem - you can call your order in, toll-free, to pay with Visa/MC/Amex: 1-877-532-8424
Or you can print out our order form and mail or fax in your order

Wider Straps With Decorative Lines

Made from medium brown US cowhides, these straps are one and a quarter inch wide and about a tenth of an inch thick (10 oz leather). Antique brass finish center-bar buckle. These are sold in sets, and each set includes four parts: Two long straps and two shorter straps. The longer straps have holes in them for buckling; the shorter straps have the buckles stitched onto them (not riveted - good heavens). The strap ends are 40" long. The buckles ends are 20 inches long. All four pieces have grooved lines set back from the edges by about a quarter of an inch. We make these to imitate some of the old original straps we've found on trunks over the years, and, by gosh, they seem to look pretty good.

1.25" Wide Strap Set
$45 per set
includes postage to any USA location
item code strap125

SHORT STRAPS
Some trunks just need short straps on the front of the trunk

Same construction as our other straps, but these are short. Nail the long end (with the holes in it) to the front face of the lid of the trunk (and you can trim it to fit). Nail the buckle piece to the base of the trunk, also on the front, so that they match up. Piece of cake. Sold as a set of four pieces - two of each end. Straps are 1" wide. Buckle end is 5-14" long overall (to the end of the buckle). Strap end is 11-7/8" long.

Short Straps $18 per set
USA shipping included

Don't want to use your credit card online?
No problem - you can call your order in, toll-free, to pay with Visa/MC/Amex: 1-877-532-8424
Or you can print out our order form and mail or fax in your order

STRAP TABS

These are the little things that hold the straps (above) onto your trunk. The typical trunk requires 6 of these to complete the job, some larger trunks require 8. We sell them in sets of either 6 or 8, what a coincidence. These are cut with a die and klicker (also known as the big kerchunk machine) here in Maine, made from the same leather as our straps, so the whole set will make a nice match. Sets of 6 tabs are $12.00, sets of 8 tabs are $15.00. Both prices include postage in the USA.

Each strap tab measures 4 and 3/16" long by 1 and 7/8" wide at the widest points.
The narrow middle part of the tab is 1 and 1/8" wide.

Set of 6 tabs - $12.00

Set of 8 tabs - $15.00

Individual tabs - $2.50 each

All prices include postage in the USA

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